Portret van twee vrouwen met hoeden, staand bij een balustrade 1881 - 1903

Max Cosman captured this photographic portrait of two women with hats standing by a balustrade. Though undated, the image evokes the late 19th century, a time when strict social norms and gender roles prevailed. Note the women's attire, which speaks volumes about their status and identity. Their elaborate hats, tailored jackets, and fur-trimmed coat are signs of their social standing and the economic privilege afforded to them. Their clothing also expresses their femininity. The women's reserved expressions and composed poses reflect the era's emphasis on propriety and decorum. This formality contrasts with the backdrop: a classical balustrade in a staged setting, suggesting an attempt to align themselves with established ideals of beauty. Ultimately, this portrait provides a glimpse into the lives of women navigating the complexities of identity and representation in a rapidly changing world. Their gaze seems to hold stories of constraint and aspiration.